DOJ: Doctor illegally sold drugs, caused patient's death

GREENBELT, Md. (WUSA9) -- A Maryland doctor has been indicted for illegally distributing prescription drugs and causing the death of a patient, according to the Department of Justice.

Officials say 59-year-old Silviu Ziscovici, also known as "Dr. Z," is charged with conspiracy to distribute and distribution of controlled dangerous substances, distribution of a controlled dangerous substance resulting in death, and money laundering, in connection with his Rockville pain management practice.

According to the indictment, Silviu Ziscovici was a physician who held a Maryland medical license. The 29-count indictment alleges from at least July 2009 through June 22, 2010, Ziscovici conspired to distribute and distributed controlled dangerous substances.

Drugs were prescribed to patients without properly assessing their medical needs, according to the DOJ. The indictment alleges that Ziscovici's office served as a "pill mill," at which individuals paid a fee to obtain prescriptions for controlled substances without any demonstrated medical need.

According to the indictment, on February 2, 2010, Ziscovici caused methadone to be distributed to a patient, outside the usual course of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose, and the patient died as a result of using the methadone.

The indictment seeks the forfeiture of at least $651,500, which constitutes proceeds traceable to the drug distribution, as well as cash, coins and jewelry seized from Ziscovici's bank accounts, safe deposit boxes, and from his home.